Designer Profile
I started Designed Smart because I’ve always been drawn to the world of construction and design. Growing up in Brazil, I spent countless hours on job sites with my dad, which gave me an early appreciation for how spaces come together. After studying architecture, I found my real passion wasn’t just in design itself—it was in collaborating with people to create homes that feel personal and welcoming.
My path has taken me from studying art and psychology in Georgia to working alongside talented architects in Brazil, and later gaining experience with a luxury furniture brand and a major home improvement company here in the U.S. Along the way, I honed my skills in corporate management and team leadership, which has been invaluable as I’ve built my own business.
In 2020, I launched Designed Smart in Everett, Washington. Today, I lead a small, dedicated team, and I’m always hands-on with every project. I work directly with clients and contractors to ensure everything goes smoothly, and that each space truly feels like home. My philosophy is simple: good design isn’t about pushing a particular style—it’s about creating spaces that reflect each client’s unique personality.
At Designed Smart, I bring together my Brazilian roots and Southern influences with a strong foundation in construction and management to design homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. It’s all about making the process smooth, personal, and focused on creating spaces that truly feel like yours.
Laila Ferri Johnson
Designer & Founder of Designed Smart
Creative Process
Our efficient creative process ensures we are able to deliver an interior design project according to each client’s needs. Each project is unique and has different objectives.
DISCOVERY & DESIGN
We learn about your needs, desires and budget. Review and analyze space to develop a preliminary project. We use the necessary tools to communicate our first proposal in a clear way.
DOCUMENTATION
After approval by the customer, we begin creating the necessary documentation—such as working drawings, elevations, and renders—tailored to the project’s specific needs to support its execution.
DELIVER
Our customers receive a packet with all necessary documentation to start and manage the remodel at their own pace.
Projects
Featured Projects
Here is a small sample of projects I've designed and managed from beginning to end always with the client's experience in mind.
How it Works
Our services are curated to fit our customer’s needs. Either you need a face-to-face meeting to help you solve your interior design problems or you prefer resolving everything from the comfort of your home while having a glass of wine, we are the right place for you!
All Design
Face-to-face meetings on site to discuss needs, measure and record existing space. Product selection assistance during showroom visit. Develop the relationship with the designer in person!
Testimony
What our customers say
Laila was great to work with, even through some unfortunate delays out of her control. She was resourceful and focused on finding solutions and working with vendors to keep things moving. She was great with communication and worked really well with the contractor performing the renovation. I would highly recommend.
S.C.
I highly recommend Designed Smart. Laila, the design manager is incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging. I had a vision of what I wanted my bathroom to look like. She worked with me to make it a reality. Some of the things I wanted were unusual and kind of tricky, but she made it happen! Anytime I had a question or concern she was very responsive and happy to answer my questions. I love my new bathroom! And I'm so thankful I put my trust in Laila!
D.H.
Laila is the best. She is very creative and pushes you to explore new ideas. She really listens to you and helps you realize the perfect creation and at your price point. Her design is stunning. Laila exceeded our expectations in design and service.
C.L.
Lila designed for our 1930s kitchen remodel and we're thrilled: it's the favorite part of our house now! She took care of designing layout, materials, colors, hardware, and finding appliances. When we came into the project we already had layout and materials in mind, but she steered us towards a design that we ended up liking even more and it still incorporated the things that really mattered to us. I also liked Lila's energy and how she'd keep meetings pleasant and moving.
I.G.
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: No feed with the ID 1 found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.